Effect of Balance Exercises on Performance in Amputee Football Players (AF-BALANCE)

Evaluation of the Effect of Balance Exercises on the Performance of Amputee Football Players

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week balance and trunk stabilization exercise program on balance and functional performance in male amputee football players. Twenty athletes aged 18 to 45 years were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group.

The intervention group completed trunk stabilization, proprioceptive balance, and sport-specific plyometric exercises twice weekly in addition to routine football training. The control group continued routine football training only. Balance and functional mobility were assessed before and after the 8-week period using the Berg Balance Scale, the L-Test of Functional Mobility, and the Figure-of-8 Walk Test.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Lower Limb Amputation; Balance Impairment
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Balance and Trunk Stabilization Exercise Program

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 20
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Amputee Football Training Facility

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male amputee football players aged 18 to 45 years.
• Unilateral lower-limb amputation.
• Classification as A1 according to the amputee football classification system.
• Active participation in amputee football for at least 6 months.
• Ability and willingness to participate in the study.
• Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bilateral lower-limb amputation.
• Insufficient experience in using crutches or a prosthesis.
• Any acute injury or serious neurological, cardiovascular, or other medical condition that could prevent completion of the L-Test of Functional Mobility, Figure-of-8 Walk Test, or exercise program.
• An active injury or rehabilitation condition preventing participation in football training.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
No Intervention: Control Group
Experimental: Balance Exercise Group	Behavioral: Balance and Trunk Stabilization Exercise Program; An 8-week exercise program performed twice weekly in addition to routine football training. The program included trunk stabilization, proprioceptive balance exercises, and sport-specific plyometric jumping and agility exercises.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in L-Test of Functional Mobility Completion Time	Functional mobility, speed, agility, and dynamic balance were assessed using the L-Test of Functional Mobility. Participants completed three trials, and the mean completion time was recorded in seconds. Lower completion times indicate better functional performance. Change was calculated by comparing the assessment performed at baseline with the assessment performed after the 8-week intervention.	Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Figure-of-8 Walk Test Completion Time	Dynamic balance, agility, postural control, and directional change ability were assessed using the Figure-of-8 Walk Test. Participants completed three trials, and the mean completion time was recorded in seconds. Lower completion times indicate better performance. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.	Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Figure-of-8 Walk Test Step Count	Movement efficiency during the Figure-of-8 Walk Test was assessed by recording the number of steps required to complete the test. Participants completed three trials, and the mean step count was calculated. A lower number of steps indicates greater movement efficiency. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.	Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Berg Balance Scale Total Score	Static and functional balance were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. The scale contains 14 items scored from 0 to 4, providing a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance and lower fall risk. Change was assessed from baseline to the end of the 8-week intervention.	Baseline and 8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Istanbul Rumeli University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): October 2, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 27, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): November 27, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 17, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): July 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 20, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 17, 2026
• Last Verified: July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Balance Training; Amputee Football
• Other Study ID Numbers: NISAMAKTAY

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No